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Ask a question from your peers to help you in your professional work. Seek different points of view on a topic that interests you. Start a thought-provoking conversation about a hot, current topic. Encourage your peers to join you in the discussion, and feel free to facilitate the discussion. As a community of educators, all members of the Career Ed Lounge are empowered to act as a discussion facilitator to help us all learn from each other.

procrastination

As a person who offten finds himself procrastinating what is a good way to change this. Everyone always says just do it now, but if you are a person who does this it is not that easy or it would be done.

New Instructor

I am currently a Clinical Instructor for the Surgical Technology program. I just came from a hospital where I was employed as a CST. This course has answered many of my questions and help me prepare for the classroom. I believe that it will continue to be helpful.

Different students

I really liked this section. It was great being able to identify my students with these different personality traits.

Being clear

I think it is very important to be clear about the class and the assignments.

New teacher

I am a fairly new instructor, and I could relate to this section very much. I feel as though I will use some of these helpful tips I read in this module.

cheating

I have seen students cheat with their cell phones by taking a picture of study guides. I encourge no cell phones on desks.

new instructor

As a new instructor, only been teaching for 6 months, I have made so many common mistakes but have learned so much from them as I gain experience. These courses have been very valuable to my knowledge and new career path as an instructor. I am learning so much and have been applying it.

Silent students

Understanding silent students is important. Insecurity and shyness are the 2 main common reasons why students are silent. It's important to try to help the student feel comfortable in the classroom and let them know they are important and their questions and comments are encouraged.

Group projects

I found that group projects are helpful. It keeps the students on their toes and they watch out for each other making sure everyone is doing their part of the assignment. Its important for students to communicate with each other and learn to work together

Syllabus

Syllabus is necssary. It acts as a written contract between the student and instructor. It has all the objectives, due dates, expectations, grading, and etc. This is a guide for the student to be aware of all the assignments and due dates for the entire term. I find it extremely helpful to go over the syllabus in detail on the first day of class

Knowing when to shift the learning responsibility back to the student

When you offer tutoring, different ways in which to present the information, go over the material in class to make sure they are "getting it" but no one responds yet you find out in the 4th week they aren't comprehending...what do you do?

Encouraging a Student to get the tutoring they need

I had a student who would show up for class,but did not always understand what they were doing. When I asked if they understood the answer was always yes but the assignments said otherwise. I tried to encourage them to get outside help from a tutor,but they would not go, they understood the material. How do I get them the help they need?

Setting the stage for sucess

By giving the students guide line to follow that they can use in the work place.

Heavy bags

I'm teaching at a school where there is no offices for adjuncts to store books, etc, and I take public transportation at least one way to teach. This next quarter I'll be using three textbooks, so my bags will be heavier than normal. I'm thinking about buying a rolling briefcase to handle the weight of these books + papers, since my shoulders and neck are often not feeling so great at the end of the day. Does anyone have any suggestions for good models to purchase?

Physical Changes

When I stared teaching I was very heavyset. Two years ago I lost over 100lbs. Shortly after my weightloss I started experiencing behavior problems with students that I hadn't in 5 previous years of teaching. One of my coworkers suggested it was my new appearance. I look younger, I'm able to dress more stylish (still professionally), and I have a lot more energy. I think that students were seeing me more as a peer rather than an instructor. As a result, I have become more strict on policies and making sure they are written so students don't get the idea that I'm a peer that will give in when they need it.

Use it Wisely Cards

I personally found this suggestion to be incrediby condescending. This is a tactic I used to use when I worked with developmentally disabled people in a therapeutic setting because they often did not have the cognitive ability to learn social skills. As an adult learner myself, if I had an instructor that did this, I would promptly drop the class because I would feel extremely disrespected as an adult student.

Stress Management

One of the key things that I have found is to understand that you will never please everyone. There will always be a student who isn't happy - so figure out if that is really related to you- if it isn't then it shouldn't be a source of stress- you will never please everyone 100% of the time. It is ok to recognize that people will disagree with you, be upset about something and that you can not control the opinions or actions of others. Realizing this can greatly reduce your stress bubble. Accept responsibility for things that you can own, but if you have no control over it- it's generally not a good idea to stress about it.

cell phones/ texting

it is hard to keep students from being on their cell phones and texting while at externship. Even if there is a hospital policy about no cell phones many students will try to bring them along.

guest speakers/ site visitations

it makes the career of choice for students clearer for them if there are guest speakers or observations at a facility like a hospital so they can see what the job truely requires

angry/ "don't care" students

it is hard to get students who are angry or don't care to get the work done that is needed as well as act professional